Taking the next step

Thursday

Feb 7, 2013 at 9:00 AM

By Ed Patinoed.patino@hillsdale.netHILLSDALE — During their prep careers, Shawn Miller and Zach VanOrman have play key roles in helping the Hillsdale High School football team maintain its high level of success.They will now have a chance to make an impact at the next level.Miller and VanOrman made their college football plays official, signing their national letters-of-intent Wednesday at Hillsdale High School. Miller will join the Siena Heights University football team in the fall, while VanOrman signed with Hillsdale College.Wednesday was National Signing Day of college football."It's a weight off my shoulders to be signed," Miller said. "I've enjoyed talking to all the coaches, but now I'm happy to be done."VanOrman was recruited by Hillsdale to play on the offensive line, while Siena Heights recruited Miller as a defensive back."The college game is faster than high school, so there's always an adjustment," Hillsdale High coach Marc Lemerand said. "But both Shawn and Zach are guys who will take that challenge and put themselves in the best position to help their teams."VanOrman has long been connected to Hillsdale College, as his father Chris is a chemistry professor at the school. The senior has often attended Chargers practices and games, and already has taken some college classes."The recruiting process was fun at first, but went you start cutting down schools it gets harder," VanOrman said. "It's a relief to be done. Hillsdale is a good fit for me and I'm excited. I know they have a good football program, and it's a good school where I know I can do something with my life."VanOrman was a captain on the offensive line for the Hornets during last fall's 11-1 season, which saw Hillsdale win a Lenawee County Athletic Association title and a district championship. He helped pave the way for an offense that averaged 30 points and 322.6 yards per game, including 216.2 rushing yards per game. Defensively, VanOrman recorded 57 solo tackles, 9 1/2 tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble.VanOrman was named First Team All-State by the Detroit Free Press and will play in the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-Star Game this June at Grand Valley State."Zach is a hard worker and has been the leader of our offensive line," Lemerand said.Hillsdale College coach Keith Otterbein believes that VanOrman can play a big role with the Chargers over the next four years."Zach could possibly be phenomenal because of his frame and athleticism," Otterbein said. "His upside is really good. We've had a good run of success with Hillsdale High kids and they've been good contributors."Miller joins a Siena Heights program beginning its second year of varsity football and third overall. Last year the Saints went 4-6 in the Mid-States Football Association, one of the toughest leagues in NAIA Division II."It's a new program and I really like Coach (Jim) Lyall," Miller said. "I'm excited to help build a championship program."Miller led the Hillsdale defense with 62 tackles and four interceptions last season. Opponents only averaged 64 passing yards and 14.3 points per game against the Hornets last year. Miller was also a dangerous kick return option, averaging 20.4 yards per kick return and 10.2 yards on punt returns. He also ran 24 times for 179 yards.Miller twice has received All-State honorable mention from the Detroit Free Press."Shawn gave us good leadership and has been a starter for since his sophomore year," Lemerand said. "It's an honor to see our kids play at the next level and is a sign that we're doing something right here."